Bernie bros had an unpleasant start to their day on Wednesday morning after Bernie Sanders announced he was dropping out of the presidential race. According to CNN, the Democratic candidate announced the end of his run in a call with his campaign staff.
Joe Biden, the Democratic forerunner, responded to his former competitor's decision to drop out.
He praised Sanders in a statement obtained by Blavity.
"Bernie has put his heart and soul into not only running for president, but for the causes and issues he has been dedicated to his whole life. So, I know how hard a decision this was for him to make — and how hard it is for the millions of his supporters — especially younger voters — who have been inspired and energized and brought into politics by the progressive agenda he has championed." Biden wrote. "He hasn't just run a political campaign. He created a movement. And make no mistake about it, I believe it’s a movement that is as powerful today as it was yesterday. That’s a good thing for our nation and our future."
The former vice president added that Sanders and his supporters "have changed the dialogue in America."
"Issues which had been given little attention — or little hope of ever passing — are now at the center of the political debate. Income inequality, universal health care, climate change, free college, relieving students from the crushing debt of student loans. These are just a few of the issues Bernie and his supporters have given life to," he said. "While Bernie and I may not agree on how we might get there, we agree on the ultimate goal for these issues and many more."
With Sanders dropping out, the stage is set for Biden to face off against Donald Trump. But voters are already expressing concerns about the two choices.
"Bernie sanders dropped out of the presidential race .. catch me sneakin into canada," one Twitter user said.
bernie sanders dropped out of the presidential race .. catch me sneakin into canada pic.twitter.com/UDmMWF1PxC
— jud☁️ (@velvetdionysus) April 8, 2020
"#BernieSanders just dropped out of the race. The rigging of these primaries is complete," comedian Lee Camp tweeted. "Now we get a choice between a rich white man with mental problems who's anti-women, has stood for racist policies, & is funded by big banks & financial institutions OR… Donald Trump."
#BernieSanders just dropped out of the race. The rigging of these primaries is complete.
Now we get a choice between a rich white man with mental problems who's anti-women, has stood for racist policies, & is funded by big banks & financial institutions OR… Donald Trump.
— Lee Camp [Redacted] (@LeeCamp) April 8, 2020
The whole United States watching Bernie Sanders drop out knowing they only have joe Biden and trump to vote for now pic.twitter.com/YR4t8Shk4B
— john (@iam_johnw) April 8, 2020
We went through all this to end up with a pandemic and Joe Biden.
Jesus be a fence.
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) April 8, 2020
Joe Biden need to drop out too, TBH.
— Preston Mitchum (@PrestonMitchum) April 8, 2020
Sanders advocated for universal health care throughout his campaign. Now, as the country deals with the coronavirus crisis, people have become especially concerned with the timing of the senator's news.
"Oh good. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the Presidential race. If only we were going through a global crisis right now that shows us that some of his ideas are necessary," one person tweeted.
Oh good. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the Presidential race. If only we were going through a global crisis right now that shows us that some of his ideas are necessary.
— David Broermann (@_DavetheDave) April 8, 2020
bernie sanders dropped out, we can't go outside, we're in a recession, celebrities keep singing at us i don't know how much i can take pic.twitter.com/eqo51Zwppk
— nil☆ (@DAElTYS) April 8, 2020
Despite the uncertainty of the future and the news they didn't want to hear, many people took the opportunity to simply say thank you.
"Let’s give it up for Bernie Sanders for trying once again to get our country put back together and do what’s right for the people," one person wrote. "His ideals and stances have shaped the Democratic Party platform & I for one appreciate him! God Bless u Mr. Sanders, and thank you for your service!"
Let’s give it up for Bernie Sanders for trying once again to get our country put back together and do what’s right for the people. His ideals and stances have shaped the Democratic Party platform & I for one appreciate him! God Bless u Mr. Sanders, and thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/lYBXWkxgal
— Old Fashioned ???? (@Ol_Squewl_Q2) April 8, 2020
bernie sanders is a good man and the first presidential candidate who’s ever made me feel real hope. so, so, so thankful for the contributions he made over his lifetime of having common-sense politics. may god help joe biden / us all
— k*ren milano (@Vanessa_ABee) April 8, 2020
I’m heartbroken BUT I also know we have an election to win in November 2020. Donald Trump MUST be defeated. People are counting on us.
Bernie Sanders will ALWAYS be my political hero. He changed the narrative, reminded us we are worthy and there’s no going back from here.
— Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) April 8, 2020
The Vermont senator took to Twitter shortly after the news broke.
"Today I am suspending my campaign," he wrote. "But while the campaign ends, the struggle for justice continues on."
Today I am suspending my campaign. But while the campaign ends, the struggle for justice continues on. https://t.co/MYc7kt2b16
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 8, 2020
According to The New York Times, Sanders' bid took a big hit after losses in South Carolina, Michigan and Florida.